'A strong family behind an official means a lot.'- NHL referee Brad Watson

The achievement was noted by the NHL with a pre-game ceremony before the match in Denver. Watson's family was on hand for that and his son, who is 9, was able to be part of the referees' warm-up skate.

"I had fitted him with an old jersey of mine, number 23, and he got to go on the ice and skate around like we do," Watson said. "It was pretty cool to have him out there and experience it."

Watson said the acknowledgment of his 1,000th game was as just as important to his family as it was to him.

"Because of their sacrifice," he said. "I miss birthdays. I miss Christmas stuff and a lot of that normal stuff that families have. A strong family behind an official means a lot."

Watson also spoke about an upcoming assignment to officiate an outdoor NHL game in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium.